The Code: Character Assasins

“. . . who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman . . .” (Psalm 15:2-3)

In describing his code for how God-worshippers should live, David starts to get more specific with today’s verse. “With God” kind of people don’t tell lies. Specifically, they don’t tell lies to hurt other people. Or to put it in the positive, as David did, they “speak the truth from” their hearts.

It’s not just about not lying. David says that a person of character refuses to join in attacking someone else’s character. He will not make up stories to make someone look bad. His code leaves zero options for tearing others down to build himself up. He just will not throw mud that might damage someone’s reputation.

Often that means just keeping our mouths shut. But speaking truth from our hearts requires talking. The key is that our hearts have to be full of genuine care for the people in our lives. Once we get the anger out of our hearts, we’ll be ready to talk to and about our friends and neighbors in helpful ways – truthfully.

Think: People talk about others all the time. What do you think about the character of someone who is constantly saying hurtful things about other people?

Pray: Ask God to fill your heart with real compassion for your family members, friends, and neighbors – and for that compassion to come out in the words you say about them.

Do: Make a little score card to carry with you today. Give yourself a point one way or the other depending on whether you say something positive or negative about another person. At the end of the day, see which side wins.